Captain Michael “Mike” Booke was born on March 25,1968, in New York City. He grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey. In 1987, he joined the East Brunswick Fire District #1, Old Bridge Volunteer Fire Department, where he actively served until becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper.

In 1998, Mike joined the Northampton Fire Department. He was a familiar face at all the community service and fundraising events, Junior Cadet Summer Camp, and played the role of Santa on the annual Santa Runs.

Mike devoted 25 years to the Pennsylvania State Police as a trooper and then as fire marshal of Troop M Bethlehem. Some of his accomplishments include investigating the devastating explosion at Concept Sciences, serving in the security detail for the Pope during his visit to Philadelphia, assisting with Hurricane Sandy relief efforts in New Jersey, serving on the Baltimore City support detail during the civil unrest in Baltimore, and aiding in the search for Eric Frein.

Little did Mike know, his career would also bring him his wife. Mike and Donna’s love was discovered on the front lines of public service. They met while responding to an accident in 1995—he as a trooper and she as an EMT. In 1997, they wed, and he accepted Dana and Danielle as his daughters.

Throughout their marriage, Mike and Donna enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and going to local sporting events. They cheered on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms hockey team and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs baseball team as season ticket holders. Most recently, they became Disney passholders and visited the parks regularly.

When he wasn’t at the fire house, you could usually find Mike with his grandkids. He loved going to all the sporting events, theater programs, and concerts for Piper, Jax, Josiah, and Mya.

We will all miss Mike’s dedication, humor, and selflessness. His legacy will live on through those who help others. As Gene Simmons of KISS once said, “Each of us on our own could only go so far. Together, we would go all the way.”